Mothercare will mark a rare achievement in the UK retail sector this week as it passes its 50th anniversary.

Mothercare delivered more downbeat UK trading figures today as the chain begins the task of slashing the size of its high street estate.

Mothercare delivered more downbeat UK trading figures today as the chain begins the task of slashing the size of its high street estate.

Mothercare today dealt a fresh blow to the UK high street as it unveiled plans to close 110 outlets and focus on out-of-town superstores.

A retailer in the UK withdrew a toy pig from a children’s farm set to avoid the risk of causing offence on religious grounds, it emerged today.

High street retailers Mothercare and Boots today announced a deal to collaborate on an exclusive range of clothing and accessories to be sold through Boots stores.

Babycare chain Mothercare produced another strong set of trading figures today as it continues to shield itself against rising cost pressures.

Mother and baby specialist Mothercare today said its takeover of Early Learning Centre had delivered benefits "beyond expectation" as it posted a 12.4% hike in annual profits.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today unveiled a fresh rise in sales but warned margins will come under pressure from the falling value of sterling.

Mothercare said it was well placed for the Christmas trading period today after international and online growth helped profits almost double.

Retailer Mothercare today reported a positive sales performance in the first quarter of its financial year.

Mothercare said today it would look for further growth from the Early Learning Centre as it plans its response to uncertain trading conditions in Ireland and the UK.

Mothercare today revealed a further solid sales performance as the babycare retailer was buoyed by a surge in demand at its internet and catalogue arm.

Mothercare posted a 52% fall in half-year profits today after the retailer took a hit from its acquisition of the Early Learning Centre (ELC).

A profits warning from Currys owner DSG International weighed on retailers today and pushed blue-chip stocks into negative territory.

The retail sector was on the back foot today after a profits warning from Currys owner DSG International impacted the sector.

Babycare retailer Mothercare today said sales were boosted in a “strong” second quarter after completing the £85m (€121.8m) takeover of the Early Learning Centre.

Mothercare has toasted a "milestone" year after annual profits rose 7.6% and it boosted growth prospects with the takeover of the Early Learning Centre.

A strong run for firms reporting results this week helped London's blue-chips gain ground today although downbeat economic news from the US took the gloss off the day.

Mothercare has outlined plans for international expansion after agreeing to buy the Early Learning Centre children's toy chain for £85m (€124.67).

A shortened trading week will see Halfords and Mothercare publish updates, while publisher Bloomsbury will look to restore confidence after its profits warning in December.

Two of the UK’s biggest names in children’s retailing could come together, it was reported today.

TAKEOVER speculation surrounding WH Smith heightened yesterday amid reports the struggling retailer could be about to attract further bid interest.

Takeover speculation surrounding WH Smith heightened today amid reports the struggling retailer could be about to attract further bid interest.

Tim Waterstone, the entrepreneur who founded the bookstore chain, has bought children’s toys chain Early Learning Centre for £62 million, it was reported today.

Two of UK venture capital company 3i’s biggest retail investments – Allsports and the Early Learning Centre – are up for sale, a report said today.